PLGA Acid Terminated/PLGA-COOH
Synonyms: Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid Terminated
CAS No: 33135-50-1
Appearance: Pale yellow particle
Ratio: 75:25, 50:50, 85:15, 65:35
Minimal order quantity: 30 gram
Unlock the potential of your most advanced therapeutic programs with our high-quality Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-COOH (PLGA-COOH). As a premier biocompatible and biodegradable copolymer, PLGA-COOH stands at the forefront of innovation in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and medical device development. Its defining feature, the terminal carboxylic acid group, provides a versatile and reactive anchor point for the covalent conjugation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), peptides, proteins, and targeting ligands. This functionality is crucial for developing sophisticated, targeted drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles and microparticles, allowing for enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic side effects. By choosing our PLGA-COOH, you are not just selecting a polymer; you are enabling a new level of precision and control for your next-generation medical solutions.
Our commitment to quality ensures that you receive a polymer with high purity, low polydispersity, and consistent lot-to-lot performance, which is essential for achieving reproducible results in both research and clinical applications. The inherent tunability of PLGA-COOH is one of its most powerful attributes. By carefully selecting the molecular weight and the lactide-to-glycolide ratio, you can precisely engineer the polymer’s degradation rate and, consequently, the drug release profile, achieving sustained therapeutic delivery over periods ranging from weeks to months. The degradation byproducts, lactic acid and glycolic acid, are natural metabolites that are safely processed by the body, underscoring its excellent biocompatibility and alignment with the safety profile of numerous FDA-approved medical products.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The primary advantage of PLGA-COOH is the presence of a terminal carboxylic acid group. This functional group acts as a reactive site for covalent conjugation, allowing you to chemically attach drugs, proteins, antibodies, or targeting molecules directly to the polymer backbone. This is essential for creating targeted drug delivery systems, bioconjugates, and functionalized surfaces, which is not readily achievable with standard, ester-terminated PLGA.
The choice depends on your desired degradation time and release profile. Here is a general guide:
L:G Ratio: The degradation rate increases as the glycolide content increases. PLGA 50:50 ratio provides the fastest degradation, while a higher lactide ratio (e.g., 75:25 or 85:15) results in a slower, more sustained release.
Molecular Weight (MW): Higher molecular weight polymers have longer polymer chains and degrade more slowly than lower molecular weight polymers.
For rapid release, choose a low MW and a 50:50 ratio. For long-term, sustained release over several months, a high MW and a higher lactide ratio (e.g., 75:25) would be more appropriate.
PLGA-COOH is soluble in a wide range of common organic solvents, making it easy to process. These include, but are not limited to, dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform, acetone, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). The exact solubility can vary slightly based on the polymer’s molecular weight and L:G ratio.
The degradation of PLGA produces lactic and glycolic acid, which can lower the local pH and potentially affect the stability of pH-sensitive drugs. This is a well-known challenge in PLGA-based formulations. Strategies to mitigate this include:
Co-encapsulating basic, excipients (e.g., magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate) to neutralize the acidic byproducts.
Optimizing the polymer’s molecular weight and composition to control the rate of acid generation.
Using a polymer with a higher lactide content, which generates the less acidic lactic acid as the primary byproduct.
To prevent hydrolysis and maintain polymer integrity, PLGA-COOH should be stored in a dry, controlled environment. We recommend storing it at -20°C under an inert atmosphere (such as argon or nitrogen) and tightly sealed to protect it from moisture. Before use, the container should be allowed to warm to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.
Yes, we understand that novel applications often require unique material properties. We offer custom synthesis services to meet your specific requirements for molecular weight, lactide-to-glycolide ratios, and other polymer characteristics. Please contact our technical support team to discuss your project needs.